MOUNT KILIMANJARO 6 DAY CLIMB – RONGAI ROUTE

Day 1 – Arrival in Arusha

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, meet our representative and transfer to Arushafor briefing and overnight stay.
Accommodation: Venus Premier Hotel (BB)

● Elevation: 1,200 m → 1,950 m → 2,600 m

● Distance: ≈ 8 km

● Hiking Time: 5 – 6 hrs

● Habitat: Montane Forest

After early breakfast, drive approximately 2 hours to Marangu Gate for registration, then continue for another 2 ½ hours to the Rongai Trailhead.
The trail begins in cultivated farmlands, ascending gradually through pine forest with occasional views of wildlife and surrounding valleys. Stop for lunch en route.
Arrive at Simba Camp (2,600 m) in the late afternoon. Tents will already be set up by the porters. Enjoy evening snacks and hot dinner as temperatures drop near freezing at night.

Overnight: Simba Camp

● Elevation: 2,600 m → 3,600 m

● Distance: ≈ 12 km

● Hiking Time: 6 – 7 hrs

● Habitat: Moorland

After breakfast, continue ascending toward Kikelelwa Cave. En route you’ll pass Second Cave (3,450 m), a perfect rest and lunch point.
The trail offers wide views of Kibo and the eastern ice fields.
Arrive at Kikelelwa Cave Camp in the afternoon. Hot drinks and dinner served at camp. Expect a cold night at higher elevation.

Overnight: Kikelewa Cave Camp

● Elevation: 3,600 m → 4,330 m

● Distance: ≈ 6 km

● Hiking Time: 3 – 4 hrs

● Habitat: Moorland

A short but steep climb brings you to Mawenzi Tarn Hut Camp, nestled beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi Peak. The area features striking high-altitude vegetation, including Giant Lobelia and Groundsel.
Afternoon at leisure for acclimatization and photo opportunities.
Dinner and overnight at camp.

Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn Hut Camp

● Elevation: 4,330 m → 4,700 m

● Distance: ≈ 8 km

● Hiking Time: 4 – 5 hrs

● Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, trek gradually across The Saddle, a barren expanse between Mawenzi and Kibopeaks.
Arrive at Kibo Hut (4,700 m) by early afternoon. Rest, hydrate, and prepare gear for the midnight summit attempt.
Note: No running water at Kibo Hut.
Dinner served early. Rest by 19:00 hrs.

Overnight: Kibo Hut

● Elevation: 4,700 m → 5,895 m → 3,720 m

● Distance: ≈ 6 km Ascent + 21 km Descent

● Hiking Time: 7 – 8 hrs Ascent + 5 – 6 hrs Descent

● Habitat: Arctic → Moorland

Wake at midnight and begin the summit attempt.
Ascend past Hans Meyer Cave (5,150 m) to Gilman’s Point (5,681 m) on the crater rim. Continue slowly along the rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)—Africa’s highest point.
After photos and celebration, descend to Kibo Hut for rest and hot lunch, then continue down to Horombo Hut (3,720 m) for dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Horombo Hut

● Elevation: 3,720 m → 1,980 m → 1,200 m

● Distance: ≈ 27 km

● Hiking Time: 6 – 7 hrs

● Habitat: Rainforest

Enjoy breakfast followed by a farewell celebration with the mountain crew. Descend through the rainforest via Mandara Hut to Marangu Gate.
Collect your Summit Certificates and transfer back to Arusha.
Accommodation: Pazuri Inn (HB) – Dinner & Breakfast / Or similar

After breakfast, day at leisure. Check-out by 11:00 hrs and transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight.